The Toyota Mirai

All you need to know about our new hydrogen car

The Toyota Mirai

All you need to know about our new hydrogen car

The Toyota Mirai

All you need to know about our new hydrogen car

All you need to know about our new hydrogen car

The Mirai – which literally means “future” in Japanese – signals the start of a new age of motor vehicles.

Using hydrogen to generate electricity and emitting only water, the Mirai not only achieves superior environmental performance, it delivers everything expected from a next-generation car: an immediately recognisable design; driving exhilaration from its superior handling (achieved by a low centre of gravity); and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.

A technological revolution

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology and includes Toyota’s new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

How it works

The TFCS is more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO2 or pollutants when driven. Drivers can also expect the same level of convenience as offered by gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes.

How it delivers

The new Toyota FC Stack achieves a maximum output of 114 kW (155 DIN hp) and a world-leading power output density of 3.1 kW/L (2.2 times higher than that of the previous Toyota FCHV-adv limited-lease model).

A new compact, high-efficiency, high-capacity converter has been developed to boost power generated in the Toyota FC Stack to 650 volts. Increasing the voltage has made it possible to reduce the size of the electric motor and the number of Toyota FC Stack fuel cells, leading to a smaller, higher-performance Toyota Fuel Cell System, thereby reducing system costs.

Superior handling stability and quietness

The high output Toyota FC Stack and optimal battery power control drive the electric motor and ensure powerful responsiveness at all vehicle speeds. This provides an immediate increase in torque at the first press of the accelerator, and powerful and smooth acceleration thereafter.

Handling stability and ride comfort are both improved through the location of major parts such as the Toyota FC Stack and high pressure hydrogen tanks centrally under the floor to achieve a low centre of gravity and superior front-and-rear weight distribution, as well as the use of a high-rigidity body, which features enhanced rigidity around the rear suspension.

The full under-floor cover and aerodynamically designed clearance lights reduce wind resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency and handling stability. Aero fins employed at the side of the rear combination lamps also improve straight-driving stability.

Outstanding quietness is achieved by electric motor drive at all speeds and reduced wind noise, plus full sealing of all body parts, and the use of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials optimally arranged around the cabin, including the use of noise-reducing glass for the windshield and all door windows.

The brake support mode makes efficient use of regenerative braking and improves braking performance when the driver wishes to greatly reduce vehicle speed such as when negotiating long downhill sections of road.

A future with Hydrogen

The need for an alternative to fossil fuel is obvious and real – and at Toyota we believe Hydrogen is the way forward. It is the most abundant element in the universe. It’s found in nearly everything, from water to plants. It’s already powerful enough to provide energy for our homes and our buildings. And now it’s ready to fuel the automotive industry.

A chemical reaction

When you pump hydrogen into the Mirai the gas travels to carbon-filter fuel tanks where it’s stored. Once in motion, the front intake grilles deliver outside air to the fuel cell stack and Hydrogen travels from the tanks to the same place. There, each element goes through a chemical reaction, creating electricity to power the vehicle. When you put your foot on the accelerator, this electricity from the fuel cell stack is sent to the motor – and do you know what the only by-product of this fuel stack process is? Water, which handily leaves through the tailpipe.

In fact, you could say that the new Mirai leaves its mark without leaving any marks.

The Mirai will be introduced to selected European markets (UK, Germany and Denmark) from September 2015.